Chapter 31 Practice Quiz — Pride and Prejudice
by Jane Austen — tap or click to flip
Practice Quiz: Chapter 31
Why has the Parsonage party not been invited to Rosings for a week?
Because Colonel Fitzwilliam and Darcy were visiting, and while there were visitors in the house, the Parsonage party "could not be necessary." They are only invited on Easter-day, after nearly a week.
How does Lady Catherine receive the Parsonage guests at Rosings?
She receives them civilly but is plainly less interested in their company than when she "could get nobody else." She is almost entirely engrossed by her two nephews, especially Darcy.
Who sits beside Elizabeth and entertains her at Rosings?
Colonel Fitzwilliam, who is genuinely glad to see them and talks agreeably of Kent, Hertfordshire, travelling, new books, and music. Elizabeth has "never been half so well entertained in that room before."
What draws the attention of both Lady Catherine and Darcy during the evening?
The spirited and flowing conversation between Elizabeth and Colonel Fitzwilliam. Darcy's eyes are "soon and repeatedly turned towards them with a look of curiosity," and Lady Catherine demands to know what they are discussing.
What does Lady Catherine claim about her own musical abilities?
She says there are few people in England with "more true enjoyment of music" than herself, and that if she had ever learned, she "should have been a great proficient." She makes the same claim about Anne, attributing Anne's lack of skill to poor health.
Where does Lady Catherine say Elizabeth is welcome to practice the pianoforte?
In Mrs. Jenkinson's room at Rosings, where "she would be in nobody's way" in "that part of the house." Mr. Darcy looks "a little ashamed of his aunt's ill-breeding" at this remark.
How does Darcy position himself when Elizabeth begins playing the pianoforte?
He walks away from Lady Catherine and stations himself "so as to command a full view of the fair performer's countenance," watching Elizabeth with sustained interest.
What does Elizabeth say when she notices Darcy watching her play?
"You mean to frighten me, Mr. Darcy, by coming in all this state to hear me? I will not be alarmed though your sister does play so well. There is a stubbornness about me that never can bear to be frightened at the will of others."
How does Darcy respond to Elizabeth's accusation that he means to frighten her?
He says she "could not really believe me to entertain any design of alarming you" and that he has known her long enough to know she enjoys "professing opinions which in fact are not your own."
What embarrassing detail does Elizabeth share about Darcy at the Meryton ball?
That he danced only four dances though gentlemen were scarce, and "more than one young lady was sitting down in want of a partner." Darcy admits he knew no one beyond his own party.
What witty retort does Elizabeth give to Darcy's defense about not knowing anyone at the ball?
"True; and nobody can ever be introduced in a ball-room." This sharp sarcasm exposes the weakness of Darcy's excuse -- balls exist precisely for meeting new people.
How does Colonel Fitzwilliam explain Darcy's social difficulties?
"It is because he will not give himself the trouble." This honest assessment from his own cousin aligns perfectly with the point Elizabeth is building toward.
What analogy does Elizabeth draw between her piano playing and Darcy's social skills?
She says her fingers lack the mastery she sees in other women, but she has always supposed it her own fault "because I will not take the trouble of practising." The unspoken parallel: Darcy's social stiffness is also a choice, not a fixed limitation.
What does Darcy say in response to Elizabeth's analogy about practice?
"You are perfectly right. You have employed your time much better. No one admitted to the privilege of hearing you can think anything wanting. We neither of us perform to strangers." He accepts the parallel and gracefully compliments her.
What does Lady Catherine say about Elizabeth's playing after listening?
"Miss Bennet would not play at all amiss if she practised more, and could have the advantage of a London master. She has a very good notion of fingering, though her taste is not equal to Anne's."
Does Elizabeth detect any romantic feeling from Darcy toward Miss de Bourgh?
No. She watches Darcy's response to his cousin's praise but "neither at that moment nor at any other could she discern any symptom of love." She concludes he might as easily have married anyone as Miss de Bourgh.